Whether it’s natural life changes or unforeseen health incidents, there are many cases when people need to rely on a personal mobility aid (PMA) to regain their independence. Proper research is essential to determine which type of mobility aid is the perfect choice for your needs, but even when making the right decision, there are times when getting more than one is necessary.
In this article, we go over why it’s important to normalise the use of multiple mobility aids as well as debunk a few misconceptions about it.
The Stigma Around Mobility Aids
Before diving in, let us first address the misconceptions surrounding mobility aids. At first, many tend to dislike the idea of using them as they believe it signifies the progression of their condition. This is far from the truth as using a mobility aid does not always correlate to a worsening disease, hence the importance of separating this idea from using a personal mobility aid.
Another common concern people have is that they might become too dependent on their mobility aid over time. One popular misconception is that once you start using a cane, you’ll eventually end up in a wheelchair. This is not always the case since individuals that get into accidents, for instance, actually achieve the opposite. They successfully transition from using a wheelchair at first to a simple walking stick or cane and then no longer need them at all. With the right strategies and mindset, this transition is entirely possible.
Normalising the Use of Multiple Mobility Aids
As mentioned earlier, beyond getting to terms with using a mobility aid, it is also important to normalise using multiple mobility aids if it can further improve your quality of life. A few key reasons that may prompt this include:
1. Varied Mobility Needs
Individuals with mobility issues often experience fluctuations in their physical abilities. For example, those with multiple sclerosis may have good days where they can walk with a cane and bad days where they need a wheelchair. Having multiple mobility aids allows them to adapt to their body’s varying needs and maintain their independence in the way they see fit.
2. Different Environments
Depending on your daily routine and where you’re going, the type of mobility aid you need may change. For instance, those staying at home may simply need their walker to get around safely, while others looking to travel faster outdoors will be better off with their motorised wheelchair. In short, different terrains and settings necessitate the use of different aids to ensure safety and comfort.
3. Specific Tasks
Apart from the environment, different tasks may also require specific mobility aids. For example, a person who uses a walking stick to get around indoors may have to switch to crutches to get up and down the stairs. Essentially, using the right mobility aid for the job lets people accomplish various tasks more efficiently.
4. Injury and Recovery
In cases of injury or surgery, patients may need to use different mobility aids during different stages of their recovery. A common scenario is when a person undergoes leg surgery; they might initially use a wheelchair, then transition to crutches, and finally begin walking as they regain strength and mobility. This progression helps in the gradual recovery process and ensures that the individual is using the most appropriate aid for their current condition.
Conclusion
The key takeaway here is that people should not hesitate to use various mobility aids since the end goal is to ensure one’s safety and independence at all times. By having the right PMA for the job, people can achieve a significantly better quality of life.
At Falcon Mobility (Rebranding to ELFIGO), we offer the widest variety of personal mobility aids that are guaranteed to have all your needs covered. From motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters to walkers, rollators, transfer aids, and various related accessories, our ever expanding product range ensures we can cater to various preferences and budgets.